DRIVERS using junction 27 of the M5 (Willand) have been advised to plan their journeys and allow extra time ahead of upcoming closures.

National Highways has issued the warning due to necessary concrete roadbase repairs, intended to improve safety and limit further unplanned closures.

To ensure safety while the necessary surface layers are removed, lane closures and a contraflow on the M5 have been scheduled.

Work will be starting near the central reservation, before moving across the carriageway.   

National Highways has planned the work for after the main summer holiday period, and three lanes will be open in each direction for October half term, to minimise disruption.  

Weather dependent, the work will finish before Easter 2025.

  • Monday, September 16 to Tuesday, October 1 – overnight lane closures on the M5 around junction 27 (Tiverton) between 8.30pm and 6am each night. At least one lane will remain open in each direction.   
  • Wednesday, October 2 & Thursday, October 3 – the M5 will be closed southbound between junction 26 (Wellington) and junction 28 (Cullumpton) between 8.30pm and 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via the A38 & B3181.  
  • Friday, October 4 & Saturday, October  5 – the M5 will be closed northbound between junction 28 (Cullumpton) and junction 26 (Wellington) between 8.30pm and 6am each night. Traffic will be diverted via the B3181 & A38.  
  • Saturday, October 5 to Friday, October 24 – from 6.00am on Saturday 5 October, a lane will be closed on the northbound M5 around junction 27. Three lanes will be open southbound, with traffic using the hard shoulder.   
  • Friday, October 24 to Monday, November 4 – three lanes will be open in each direction over half term. Traffic will use the hard shoulder in both directions while we work in the middle of the road.